Special Tests

Question 1

Spurling test

Answer 1

used to diagnose cervical radiculopathy (neck pain, arm and hand pain, better when abducting the arm and placing the hand behind the head)

test: extend and rotate the head to the side of the dysfunction, add a compressive force and there will be a reproduction of symptoms if positive

Question 2

Adsons test

Answer 2

evaluates for thoracic outlet syndrome caused by a hypertonic scalene compressing the neurovascular bundle

test: monitor the patients radial pulse and extend the arm at the elbow while the shoulder is extended, externally rotates and slightly abducted. Then the patient will take a deep breath and turn their head toward the ipsilateral arm. The test is considered positive if there is a decrease or absent radial pulse

Question 3

the military posture test/costoclavicular

Answer 3

this tests for thoracic outlet syndrome caused by the clavicle and first rib compressing the neurovascular bundle

test: patient is standing and the physician monitors the radial pulse while compressing the shoulder and extending the arm behind the patient, positive test if the radial pulse is absent or diminished

Question 4

Wallenburg test

Answer 4

this evaluated for vertebral artery insufficiency

test: patient is supine and doc flexes the neck and holds for 10 secs then extends the neck and holds for 10 secs, other ROM are tested and a positive test is when there is dizziness or nystagmus, or lightheadedness

Question 5

Wright test

Answer 5

tests for thoracic outlet syndrome that occurs from the pec minor and coracoid process compressing the neurovascular bundle

test: hyperabduct the patients arm above the head with some extension, a positive test is if there is a decreased or absent radial pulse